What is the name of the state flower of New Jersey?

I-80 Eastbound Sinkhole

Click here for the latest updates: LATEST UPDATES

Sparta Girls Lacrosse Defeats Mountain Lakes

The Sparta High School girls lacrosse team defeated Mountain Lakes 14-9 on Saturday morning at Cassels Field. Uma Kowalski led the Spartans with five goals and two assists, continuing her record-setting season. Sparta dominated early, netting four goals in the first quarter and holding Mountain Lakes to just one goal in each of the first two quarters.

Although Mountain Lakes pushed back in the second half—scoring three in the third quarter and four in the fourth—it wasn't enough to overcome Sparta's solid lead. Moira Sweeney contributed three goals and an assist, while Sophie Ku and Ava Capeci each scored twice, with Ku adding an assist. Joey Roque and Grace Johnson also scored, with Johnson earning an assist. Kaitlyn Peters chipped in with an assist as well.

Goalkeeper Callie Maines made a significant impact, recording 10 saves. With this victory, Sparta improves to 11-5 for the season and is set to face Randolph on Monday.  

Original Article Source: TAPinto Sparta by: Jennifer Dericks

Household Hint of the Week!

Roll citrus fruits
Before juicing lemons or limes, roll them firmly on the counter to extract more juice.

Sparta High School Honors Deborah Gianuzzi’s Legacy at Final Concert

At Sparta High School’s spring band concert, students, alumni, family, and colleagues honored band director Deborah Gianuzzi as she prepared to retire after 30 years of service. Gianuzzi, who began teaching in Pompton Lakes before joining Sparta in 1995, received several accolades, including a New Jersey Assembly Resolution and a Joint Senate and Assembly Resolution presented by Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, Lauren Inganamort, and Bethanie Schultz – all former students. They commended her for her impact on students in Sparta and beyond, celebrating her dedication, leadership, and character.

Gianuzzi was also awarded the 2025 Service Award from the North Jersey School Music Association for her contributions to music education. Throughout her career, she led the Blues Inc! Jazz Band and taught multiple music programs while serving as an adjunct professor at Sussex County Community College and music director at Sparta’s First Presbyterian Church. With a Doctor of Musical Arts in Education from Boston University, Gianuzzi’s influence has been profound.

For her finale, alumni joined current students to perform in a memorable tribute, celebrating her lasting legacy within the community.

Original Article Source: TAPinto Sparta by: Jennifer Dericks

Safety Village 2025: Empowering Children with Essential Safety Education

The Junior Woman’s Club of Sparta is hosting Safety Village 2025, a safety education program for children starting kindergarten this fall.

The event will take place from June 23-26 at the Sparta United Methodist Church.

The program, now in its 34th year, will run from 9:30 a.m. to noon and costs $75 to attend.

Interested parties can register online at jwcsparta.org/safety-village by June 6. Children participating in Safety Village will engage in various interactive activities, games, and presentations to learn about different aspects of safety.

Topics covered include bear safety, bike safety, pedestrian safety, traffic safety, stranger danger, school bus safety, fire safety, police safety, ambulance safety, and water safety.

The program will also include a bus ride around the block courtesy of First Student, swimming pool safety rules from NJ Swim, and self-defense tips from United Martial Arts. Additionally, the event will feature presentations from the Sparta police, New Jersey Search and Rescue, and the Sparta Ambulance Squad.

Snacks will be provided throughout the program.

Original Article Source: Sparta Independent

Sparta Police Department Achieves Prestigious NJ State Accreditation

The Sparta Police Department has earned accreditation from the New Jersey State Chiefs of Police Association, joining a select group of law enforcement agencies statewide. Chief Jeff McCarrick hailed the achievement as a significant milestone, crediting the voluntary year-long process for elevating the department's professionalism and reinforcing its policies.

The accreditation focused on aligning departmental policies with state and federal standards. Officers were required to review and sign off on updated procedures, fostering greater awareness and integration of best practices. Chief McCarrick expressed pride in the department’s efforts, involving all 34 officers and additional staff.

Initially led by Lt. Adam Carbury, who retired during the process, the accreditation team was completed by Capt. Thomas Snyder, Sgt. Steve Guido, and Officer Christopher Schanstra. The team underwent rigorous review, including policy evaluation, presentations to a review board in South Brunswick, and an on-site inspection.

Effective for three years, the accreditation marks a commitment to ongoing policy updates and operational excellence. “This allows us to continue maintaining these high standards for future generations,” McCarrick stated, reinforcing the department's focus on long-term improvement. 

This achievement highlights Sparta's dedication to transparency and professionalism.

Original Article Source: TAPinto Sparta by: Jennifer Dericks

Introducing our charming "I Heart U Mug," the perfect way to express your love and affection every morning!

This 11oz ceramic mug features a heartwarming design that will make your loved one smile with every sip.

With its sturdy construction and easy-to-grip handle, this mug is ideal for enjoying your favorite hot beverage.

Whether you're sipping coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, this mug is sure to become a beloved staple in your morning routine.

Spread love and joy with every cup with our "I Heart U Mug" - order yours today and make someone's day brighter! Buy now and spread the love!

Quote Of The Day

The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Sparta High School honored its 2025 rta varsity softball seniors during a game against West Morris on Monday. Before the game, Coach Gretchen Bowie introduced the nine seniors as they stood on the third base line, where they were joined by their parents at home plate. A formal celebration followed the game.

Ellie Fagersten will attend Penn State to study communications. A three-year varsity letter athlete, Ellie attributed her time in softball to teaching her friendship, resilience, and learning to grow from failure.

Abby Connors, continuing her athletic career playing soccer at Wagner College, reflected on the lifelong memories and friendships she created through softball, which taught her perseverance and hard work.

Carly List, a three-year varsity athlete, will study marketing at Michigan State. Softball taught her resilience and teamwork while fostering lifelong relationships with teammates and coaches.

Maya Laliker, a four-year varsity letter earner, is heading to Virginia Tech to major in exercise science. Maya highlighted her favorite memories of bonding with teammates and the joy the sport brought her over the years.

Emily Ciaburri, attending Scranton University for occupational therapy, valued the sport for teaching the importance of teamwork and cherished the friendships built since childhood.

Katie Sutton will study neuroscience at Boston College. She expressed gratitude for the joy and camaraderie softball brought her throughout her high school career.

Ingrid Brevig, a three-year varsity player, will attend the University of Colorado-Boulder to study integrated physiology. She appreciated the valuable lessons of communication and resilience taught by the sport.

Alexis Arpino, heading to Stockton University to study health sciences, reflected on how softball gave her confidence and memories that will stay with her forever.

Hannah McClean, the team’s statistician, is pursuing a degree in biology at Suffolk University. Her support earned her recognition as a vital part of the program.

The touching celebration concluded with speeches by the players and their buddies, followed by a gathering in the cafeteria.

Original Article Source: TAPinto Sparta by: Jennifer Dericks

The calendar includes a variety of activities such as community meetings, sports events, performances, and festivals.

Residents can search the calendar by date or keyword to find events that interest them.

Quick Contacts:

Emergency Services

• Emergency: 911
• Sparta Police (non-emergency): (973) 729-6121
• Sparta Fire Department: (973) 729-8433
• Sparta Ambulance Squad: (973) 729-2100

Township Offices

• Township Manager's Office: (973) 729-4471
• Township Clerk: (973) 729-4471
• Planning & Zoning: (973) 729-4471
• Building Department: (973) 729-4471
• Tax Collector: (973) 729-4471
• Recreation Department: (973) 729-2383

Community Resources

• Sparta Public Library: (973) 729-3101
• Chamber of Commerce: (973) 729-6811
• Board of Education: (973) 729-8151
• Sparta High School: (973) 729-6191
• Department of Public Works: (973) 729-7133

Media Contacts

• The Sparta Independent - Kathy Shwiff, Managing Editor 
  njoffice@strausnews.com
• TAPinto Sparta: editor@tapinto.net
• NJ Herald: (973) 383-1500

Health & Social Services

• Sussex County Health Department: (973) 579-0370
• Social Services: (973) 383-3600

Utilities

• Jersey Central Power & Light: 1-888-544-4877
• Sparta Water Utility: (973) 729-7133

Question: What is the name of the state flower of New Jersey?
Answer: Violet